Minister for Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
24/03/2011
Transport Inspectors to get permanent transit lane powers
Transport inspectors will get permanent powers to enforce proper use of Transit lanes in South East Queensland.
Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the first stage of a trial that started last year had yielded positive results.
During the trial bus travel times improved by almost 20 per cent.
Previously Transit lane infringement notices could only be handled by police.
"Giving transport inspectors the power to fine motorists doing the wrong thing frees up police resources and means these vital high occupancy lanes remain open for vehicles carrying more than one person," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"This is about providing reliable, green, clean travel alternatives and making more efficient use of existing infrastructure."
Legislation to give permanent powers to transport inspectors was tabled in Queensland Parliament yesterday.
Transport inspectors will be conducting bus and transit lane enforcement, in addition to their other duties of vehicle defect inspection and heavy vehicle safety inspections.
T2 lanes can be used by buses, taxis, bicycles and cars carrying two more people. Similarly T3 lanes for cars carrying three or more people.
These changes to the law form part of the Queensland Government's commitment to managing congestion.
Drivers who don't comply with the rules for using transit and bus lanes can be fined $100.
A maximum penalty of $2000 can be imposed by a court.
A Transport Inspector can issue a defect notice on a vehicle for a range of safety related issues such as bald tyres and windscreen damage.
A Prohibition Notice can be issued in circumstances such as a person who is driving on an invalid licence.
